Mount Union International Student Interns at the U.S. Capitol

'Completing this semester has proven to me that I am prepared to undertake almost anything that comes my way,' said Caroline Imboua-Niava, a 2006 graduate of Mount Union College.

Caroline Imboua-Niava

Imboua-Niava, a native of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa, has spent her final semester interning with the mass communications program of the Washington Center in Washington, DC.

Imboua-Niava feels her experience interning will benefit her as well as her country, where public communication is still developing. Imboua-Niava encourages other Mount Union students, especially international students, to participate in the programs offered with the Washington Center.

While in Washington, DC. Imboua-Niava had the opportunity to witness President Bush's State of the Union Address, the controversial outsourcing of six major U.S. ports, and deliberations on immigration laws.

'I like Washington, DC; it has character and its international flair is unique,' said Imboua-Niava. 'There is a lot of political influence, but also culture.'

Imboua-Niava first decided to come to the United States for the opportunity to experience another culture first-hand. 'Not everyone, especially back home, has the opportunity to go abroad and I did not want let the chance pass me by,' said Imboua-Niava. In the fall of 2002, Imboua-Niava began working toward a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies at Mount Union.

'I wanted to be competitive in the work environment so I went for the educational advantages the United States offers,' said Imboua-Niava. 'Easy access to technology is not common at most schools in my country. I also wanted to become bilingual and learn and experience new things.'

Imboua-Niava plans to work in the communication field for a year before returning to the Cote d'Ivoire. 'I had in mind that I was coming to study, learn and speak some English and also experience a different lifestyle,' said Imboua-Niava.

Over the past four years, Imboua-Niava has taken advantage of her time as a student. 'This is what I had to do if I wanted to be competitive in the job market and graduate in four years,' said Imboua-Niava.